In addition to Locke's role with the school board, he was the Greenfield school organization's treasurer.

The school superintendent had positive things to say about Locke after his arrest, but the former board president had been wiped from the district's website by early Wednesday. "Mr. Locke was an asset to the board ... and his leadership will be missed," Saratoga Springs Schools Superintendent Michael Piccirillo said through a statement.

Locke resigned Tuesday.

Leaders within the home school association checked the books and found the theft took place over a one-year period. They notified sheriff's investigators on Monday. Locke was arrested Tuesday.

Investigators believe Locke wrote checks on behalf of the association for "school-related events" but cashed the checks to pay his personal bills.

Locke also is suspected of falsifying business documents to cover up the theft, deputies said. After his arrest, he was released without bail.

Locke, who lives in Porters Corners, had served on the Board of Education for the Saratoga Springs City School District for five years and was elected president in January.

The Greenfield Elementary Home/School Association held $102,658 in assets in 2013, the latest period covered by financial records. The association generated $64,876 in revenue that year through galas and book fairs.

Locke was charged with felony counts of grand larceny and falsifying business records. He was arraigned in Wilton Town Court and is to return to court Oct. 6.